A
2001 NU graduate, Villnave (of Lewiston) joined her alma mater as an
admissions counselor in 2003 before being promoted to her current
position in 2007.

A
quote from one of her supervisors said, "Sara takes her job to
heart. She works diligently toward the success of every event she
undertakes ... is meticulously organized and follows through on every
detail. She keeps the rest of the office in line and on task during
these often complex events. She is also a very compassionate
counselor who always goes a bit further in advocating for applicants
with a story."

With
regards to Villnave's commitment to the Niagara community, a
supervisor said, "Her work recruiting, meeting with families,
planning events and all of the follow-up has been exceptional this
year. In this time of great stress and turnover in the office, Sara
has taken on more and has been very successful realizing our need."

In
describing Villnave's work, her supervisor added, "She interacts
with the entire campus and has to work around all the obstacles and
limitations involved when setting up these events and making them
successful. She is always pleasant to work with and she always treats
people with respect."

Villnave's
Vincentian values were described in another nomination, stating, "As
an alumna of Niagara, Sara not only learned the Vincentian values as
a student, but carries out service to others daily in her job. She is
the epitome of a professional and treats all people she encounters
with dignity and respect. She is the type of person Niagara is proud
of, both as a graduate and staff member of this community."

Another
nomination spoke of her commitment: "Sara is always positive, she
is an alumna as well as a dedicated employee and takes great pride in
the quality of her work, and the opinion others have of it means a
great deal to her."

Nominations
for the quarterly award are made by NU employees, students, alumni,
parents or other persons who come in contact with NU employees.
Honorees are eligible to receive gift certificates to area amenities,
movie passes, two days off during the next quarter, NU athletics
tickets and a universal parking tag that can be used in any
non-handicapped parking spot on campus.